Ulcerative colitis symptoms can vary, depending on the severity of inflammation and where it occurs. Signs and symptoms may include:. Most people with ulcerative colitis have mild to moderate symptoms. The course of ulcerative colitis may vary, with some people having long periods of remission. Doctors often classify ulcerative colitis according to its location. Types of ulcerative colitis include:. See your doctor if you experience a persistent change in your bowel habits or if you have signs and symptoms such as:.
Although ulcerative colitis usually isn't fatal, it's a serious disease that, in some cases, may cause life-threatening complications. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Subscribe for free and receive your in-depth guide to digestive health, plus the latest on health innovations and news.
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The exact cause of ulcerative colitis remains unknown. It may help to take supplements or eliminate particular foods from the diet. However, a person should discuss any complementary or alternative measures with a doctor before trying them.
Here, find out more about what to eat and avoid with ulcerative colitis. Research suggests that people with ulcerative colitis are more likely to have certain genetic features. The specific genetic feature that a person has may affect the age at which the disease appears.
The body might respond to a viral or bacterial infection in a way that causes the inflammation associated with ulcerative colitis. Once the infection resolves, the immune system continues to respond, which leads to ongoing inflammation. Another theory suggests that ulcerative colitis may be an autoimmune condition. A fault in the immune system may cause it to fight nonexistent infections, leading to inflammation in the colon.
Some known risk factors for ulcerative colitis include:. They will also check for signs of anemia, or low iron levels in the blood, and tenderness around the abdomen. A person with ulcerative colitis will need to see a doctor who specializes in treating conditions of the digestive system, or a gastroenterologist. Ulcerative colitis symptoms can range from mild to severe, but it needs treatment.
Without treatment, the symptoms may go away, but there is a higher chance of them coming back. Most people will receive outpatient treatment. Of these, 1 in 5 may need to spend time in the hospital. Various medications are available, and a doctor will make a treatment plan that takes individual needs and wishes into account.
Natural approaches can support medical treatment, but they cannot replace it. The first aim of treatment is to reduce the risk of a flare and its severity if a flare does occur. Long-term therapy can help achieve this. There are several types of medication, and a doctor will make a treatment plan to suit the individual.
Ulcerative colitis results from a problem with the immune system. Three types of drugs that can help are biologics, immunomodulators, and small molecules. Doctors can examine a clean colon more easily. Your doctor will give you a sedative to help you relax and prevent any discomfort. Once the medication takes effect, the doctor will insert a colonoscope into your anus. This device is long and flexible so it can move easily through your GI tract.
The colonoscope also has a camera attached so your doctor can see inside the colon. During the exam, the doctor will look for signs of inflammation and check for precancerous growth called polyps. The doctor may also perform a biopsy.
The tissue can be sent to a laboratory for further examination. A colonoscopy is an important tool in detecting colorectal cancer as well. They can help determine whether you may have UC or another bowel disease. UC is a chronic condition. The goal of treatment is to reduce the inflammation that causes your symptoms to prevent flare-ups and have longer periods of remission.
For mild symptoms, your doctor may prescribe a medication to reduce inflammation and swelling. This will help alleviate many symptoms. Some people may need corticosteroids to help reduce inflammation, but these can have adverse effects, so doctors try to limit their use. If an infection is present, you may need antibiotics. If you have moderate to severe symptoms, a doctor may prescribe a type of medication known as a biologic.
Biologics are made from antibodies and help block inflammation. Taking these can help prevent a symptom flare-up. A doctor may also prescribe an immunomodulator. These change the way the immune system works. Examples include methotrexate, 5-ASA drugs, and thiopurine drugs.
Initially used to treat rheumatoid arthritis , this medication targets cells responsible for inflammation. You may also need to replace blood and to treat any other complications. Researchers continue to look for new treatments each year. Learn more about the newest UC treatments.
Surgery typically involves removing your entire colon and rectum as well as creating a new pathway for waste. This pathway can be out through a small opening in your abdominal wall. To redirect waste through your abdominal wall, the surgeon will make a small opening in the wall.
Waste will drain through the opening into a bag. In other types of surgery, the surgeon removes the diseased part of your colon and rectum but retains the outer muscles of your rectum.
The surgeon then attaches your small intestine to the rectum to form a small pouch. Bowel movements will be more frequent and watery than normal. In certain procedures , the anus is also removed. Read more about each of the surgical options and their long-term effects. Some of the medications prescribed to treat UC can have serious side effects.
It is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be used to replace a discussion with a healthcare professional. All decisions regarding patient care must be handled by a healthcare professional, and be made based on the unique needs of each patient.
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